Abstract
Although Belgrade is set on the confluence of two rivers, its riverfronts have never been an integral part of the city, due to the barriers between its historical urban core and the waterfronts. Over the last decade, these areas have come into focus because of their potential for becoming one of the most attractive and important ambient urban environments. In this research, a method for the inclusion of the Sava riverfronts into the urban life of its users was established through an analysis of the quality and intensity of open public spaces and the possibility for improving the pedestrian networks. The area known as Kosančićev Venac has been chosen as a case study, being an important connection between these two sites with its cultural values, tradition and identity. The methods used were observation and content analysis of existing literature, strategies and planning documents. In accordance with a participatory approach, direct surveying of selected stakeholders was developed through interviews and questionnaires and a method of mapping users on social maps. Two main groups of users were included in this research: citizens and tourists. Furthermore, the results were presented in the form of a SWOT analysis showing the main obstacles and barriers, but also the strengths and of open public spaces and a pedestrian network. In conclusion, this paper could serve as a knowledge base for developing future strategies containing specific guidelines for revival and inclusion of riverfront areas, in order for city waterfronts to live up to their full potential.
Highlights
Background resarchRiverfront regeneration and renewal presents one of the best methods for a complete redesign and overall economic, ecological and social redevelopment of urban city areas in many European cities in the 21st century (MacLeod and Craig, 2011)
This paper aimed to identify the main problems and potentials from the user's perspective and to measure the intensity of pedestrian movement and concentrations of users in open public spaces in the area of Kosančićev Venac and
Elements regarding public and private transport, mobility, pedestrian accessibility and pavement are perceived as a significant obstacle for using this location as a pedestrian connection between the city centre and riverfront
Summary
Riverfront regeneration and renewal presents one of the best methods for a complete redesign and overall economic, ecological and social redevelopment of urban city areas in many European cities in the 21st century (MacLeod and Craig, 2011). Considering the case of Belgrade, which is set on the confluence of two rivers, adequate riverfront regeneration has never taken place, leaving its riverfronts excluded from the urban city centre due to the barriers between its historic core and the waterfronts. Urban redevelopment in Belgrade has a rather spontaneous “bottom-up” nature (such as one in the Savamala district or Beton Hala), lacking the support of governmental or planning institutions (Cvetinovic et al, 2013). Some other cases like Belgrade port, Marina Dorćol or Kosančićev Venac, considered as the best “polygons” for the redevelopment (Petrović, 2009), have not witnessed any major urban transformation. These areas have been in focus because of their potential for becoming one of the most attractive and important ambient urban environments; this is recognised by users and urban city planners, according to the Master plan of Belgrade 2021
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